The breathtaking road to Salto de la Cabra
Spain, europe
17.6 km
1,109 m
hard
Year-round
# Salto de la Cabra: A Mountain Pass That'll Test Your Nerve
Ready for a challenge? Salto de la Cabra sits pretty at 1,109 meters (3,638 feet) in Cantabria's Picos de Europa range, and let me tell you—this isn't your Sunday drive. The route, known locally as Camino Casetón Andara, stretches 17.6 km from La Hermida eastward to a parking area on the CA-1 Road.
Here's the thing: this climb doesn't mess around. You're looking at gradients that hit 18% at their steepest, with an average grade of nearly 10% over the 10.1 km ascent. The elevation gain tops out at a lung-busting 1,003 meters.
The road itself is a mixed bag of surfaces. It starts smooth and paved at La Hermida, but once you pass through Bejes, you're transitioning to concrete, and the final push to the top? That's unpaved territory. Sections get genuinely narrow—tight enough that meeting another vehicle isn't just inconvenient, it's a real problem. Seriously, if you're not comfortable reversing a car, you might want to reconsider.
One more heads-up: parts of this route lack guard rails, so the exposure is real. The views from up here are spectacular, but stay sharp and take it slow. This one demands respect.
Where is it?
The breathtaking road to Salto de la Cabra is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.4299, -2.6525
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,109 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.4299, -2.6525
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Villavientos Refuge?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright adventurers, let's talk about Refugio Villavientos! This high-altitude mountain cabin sits way up in the Spanish province of , chilling as one of Europe's highest roads. Why "Villavientos" (Village of Winds)? Because, trust me, you'll understand the name as soon as you arrive! This former ranger station turned open refuge is known for its seriously strong gusts. You might also hear it called Casa Forestal de Loma Pelá (Loma Pelá Forest House), or even more recently, . The refuge itself is an oldie but a goodie. A single-story rectangle with a sloped roof, it's got a main door and a window, surprisingly with the glass still intact! Inside, you'll find a big table with benches right by the window and a fireplace (though fuel is scarce up here, so don't count on a roaring fire). There's also a sleeping platform with room for about people. Forget running water though – melt snow in winter or bring your own. The real draw? Sunset views from here are seriously epic. Getting there is half the adventure. You'll be traveling the Camino de los Franceses and passing through the village of before tackling the final stretch. Keep in mind, private vehicles are generally a no-go. The reward? Breathtaking scenery, including a bunch of gorgeous alpine lakes. Just a heads-up: in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this road becomes totally impassable during the winter months. It's one of the highest roads in Spain, so plan accordingly!
hardLos Machucos is one of the steepest roads in Spain (31%)
🇪🇸 Spain
# Los Machucos: Spain's Most Brutal Mountain Pass Ready to test your limits? Los Machucos in Cantabria is the kind of climb that makes even seasoned cyclists question their life choices. Sitting at 880m (2,887ft) elevation, this beast features some of the steepest gradients Spain's Vuelta race has ever thrown at competitors—we're talking grades that hit 31% at their nastiest. Located in the northern Cantabrian Mountains, just east of Collado de la Espina, this 14.1km (8.76 miles) stretch connects San Roque de Riomiera to Bustablado. The road itself is paved, but here's the kicker: the most intense sections? Pure concrete, built between 2003 and 2007 to handle the punishment. Fair warning: the climb is relentless. It's literally uphill the entire way, and at certain points, you're practically riding straight up a massive rock face. Most of the year you'll find the pass open, but winter throws its own challenges—expect occasional closures when weather gets serious. The reward at the summit? A quirky metal cow sculpture called the Monumento a la Vaca Pasiega, a perfect spot to catch your breath and marvel at the Cantabrian landscape stretching out below. It's weird, it's wonderful, and honestly, it's the kind of road that sticks with you long after your legs stop burning.
extremeWhere is the road located?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, picture this: you're cruising along the southern coast of France, practically spitting distance from Spain and the turquoise waters of the Med. You're about to tackle the Route Madeloc, or Tour de Madeloc, a tiny ribbon of road that winds its way between Banyuls-Sur-Mer and Collioure. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road hugs the Pyrénées-Orientales, shooting straight up from almost sea level to a decent height in no time. The views? Epic. Think vineyards stretching as far as you can see and panoramic vistas of the coastline. Now, the road surface is mostly decent (some bits are even new!), but hold on tight because it’s seriously twisty and unbelievably narrow. We're talking so narrow that even passing a motorbike can be a squeeze. Get ready to reverse if you meet another car – seriously! And did I mention the lack of guardrails? Yeah, there's a drop-off right beside you the whole time. No pressure! So, here's the deal: only tackle this if you're a confident driver, especially with reversing. Keep it slow – like, 20 km/h slow – so you can react to anything coming around the next bend. Surprisingly, local vineyard owners use this road all the time. Need a breather? There are a couple of spots with orientation tables and safe places to pull over for photos. And near the junction for the tower, there's a rest area with stone benches, perfect for soaking up the views (just no shade, FYI). Speaking of the tower, yes, this road is named after the Tour de Madeloc! You can get pretty close, but the final stretch to the tower is closed to cars. Trust me, you don't want to drive it anyway. It's even narrower and rougher, with a hairpin turn from hell. Just park and walk. Along the way, you'll cross a few minor passes. Don't miss the old Château de l'Étang, which has been beautifully restored and is now a museum. Major renovations were done by the famous Vauban, so you know it's impressive! This whole drive is a photographer's dream, so pack both your telephoto and wide-angle lenses to capture those stunning views. Get ready for some epic photos!
moderateWhere is Becco Rosso Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about the Becco Rosso Pass! You'll find this hidden gem straddling the border between France and Italy, specifically in the northwestern corner of Italy and the Alpes-Maritimes department of France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Now, getting to the top is where things get interesting. Forget smooth asphalt, this is an old military road – more like a partially destroyed track, really – leading up to Colle di Costa Piana. Think rugged terrain, incredible views, and maybe a little off-road excitement. Keep in mind you're climbing high, so expect some serious elevation! It's the kind of place where you'll feel like you've truly escaped the everyday. Just a heads-up, this isn't your average Sunday drive, so come prepared for a bit of a challenge!